The tooth hurts as poverty harms Downs locals' health

Sherele MoodyNews Corp journalist Sherele Moody started her career in the media more than 25 years ago. She reports across a broad range of topics including and has an extensive background in data analysis and statistics-based journalism. She also specialises in opinion and feature writing on gendered violence and women’s issues. Sherele is the recipient of the 2018 BandT Women in Media Social Change Maker Award and has multiple Clarion and Walkley Our Watch journalism excellence awards for her work reducing...

"Going without dental care can lead to significant problems for the patient and this will increase the cost on the health system."

Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Greg Turnbull said he was not surprised people were unable to pay for scripts.

"It is something that should concern health policymakers," the PGA communications director said.

Queensland Council of Social Services CEO Mark Henley said medical poverty was not being adequately addressed by governments.

"There is absolutely no doubt that there needs to be greater investment in health services, particularly in regional areas," Mr Henley said.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt's spokesman said an expert committee was examining medical costs and the government's plan to encourage more trainee doctors to move to regional areas would help in the long run.

Half of us cannot afford health insurance

ALMOST half of Southern Downs locals do not have health insurance.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows our region has one of the lowest uptakes of health insurance in the country, with just 15,727 - 54.7 per cent - insured.

Private Healthcare Australia CEO Dr Rachel David said a lack of private medical providers in regional areas and the cost of insurance were behind the low take-up of health insurance.

"Most people take out health insurance because they want access to surgery on time, access to mental health services and to subsidised dental care," she said.

"Wages haven't really risen since 2009 but health inflation - that is the cost of meeting claims or services - has been rising about 5-6 per cent a year."

Queensland Council of Social Services CEO Mark Henley said most Australians could not afford health insurance.

"People across the state are having to make compromising decisions on paying their power bills, rent or to put food on their table.

"They are struggling just to pay for the essentials and health insurance is not considered by these people as an essential."

The Federal Government expects to roll out legislation allowing policyholders to claim travel and accommodation related to hospitalisation.

"Our private health insurance reforms mean policies will be simplified and more easily understood so consumers get a clear picture on what is included in their policy," a spokesman for Health Minister Greg Hunt said.

Health insurance is not a priority for many in our region.courtneyk

We are happy with our doctors

SOUTHERN Downs residents have given local GPs their stamp of approval, with 96.8 per cent of locals saying their doctors treated them with respect.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data reveals 40.9 per cent of locals saw a dentist in the 2016-17 financial year and 81 per cent had a GP appointment.

About nine in 10 (93.8 per cent) of locals said their medical practitioner listened to their concerns and 93.4 per cent believed their GP spent enough time with them. - NewsRegional

Poverty is pushing our region's residents further away from healthcare, with locals unable to pay for the basics including dental, scripts and doctor visits.AndreyPopov